Sewing is HUGE on cards these days... But it's not for everyone. Many don't have a machine or just plain are "allergic" to sewing however may still want some of that same look that you can get. A couple of those same fun things can be achieved by a few tricks! While playing with my Papertrey Ink Saddle Stitch ribbon I remembered something I made in my youth... something with gathering. (I think it was an attempt at a skirt. LOL!) That is the inspiration for this no-sew ribbon trim project!
So... how about learning how to do some quick gathering tricks with this awesome ribbon. You would have giggled at me if you were a fly on the wall when I started playing with this concept. I had every color out and was scrunching my heart out... it was so addictive. Here is how easy it is...
(I used bright colors to show you because of the contrast) First.... it's hard to trim the ribbon to the exact needed length right from the start because of the gathering...so you will need to cut a larger piece than you think you will need. Next, lift out the end of the thread from ONE side of the ribbon (do this on both ends ) and gently start scrunching the ribbon into the middle.
I used sticky tape style adhesive here to adhere it to the cardstock.
After it's on you can form it a little to give it some continuity. (wrap the ends around the back of the cardstock and tape it to secure the side... or use a liquid glue to secure the end so that the stitch doesn't come out... use fray check on the ends if you do that though)
Here is an elegant card using In Bloom and Fancy Flourishes.
It adds such a feminine feeling to this card. (I used masking and sponging to color the flowers with Spring Rain and Enchanted Evening inks)
Don't the ruffles look fantastic with the flourishes! Now... if you were to go buy gathered ribbon you would see it's a bit spendy. What a great way to stretch your creative funds huh!
So... after playing with one-sided gathering.... I thought about gathering/ruffling both sides...
It was such fun pushing that ribbon and scrunching! Heehee! You can see the extra leftover thread from the ribbon on the ends.
I taped the back and trimmed off those treads next.
Such a quick and simple way to add depth and texture to a project!
I was hankering to use Pine's Boo To You set some more so I made this quick card. um... aren't those googly eyes fun on her ghosty! I think they plays off the Hocus Pocus paper too!
I wanted to say also that I love the True Black and Fresh Snow ink! Look how great True Black looks on that Bitty Dots paper! So nice and solid.
Aren't you excited to try this now?!?! What can you see making with these fun ribbon trims? There are some other fun things that I've discovered and will be sharing soon. I can't wait... can you tell how excited I am about this! Heehee!
Let me know your thoughts... and thanks for poppying by!
supplies not listed already- Marvy Corner Punch, Papertrimming Buddy with Pinking blade, (Kraft, Spring Rain, Enchanted Evening, Vintage Cream, White, Smoky Shadow) Cardstock, True Black Buttons.
That is just too fun - love the googly eyes, and the ruffles are super girly! Thanks; now instead of going to bed like I should, I HAVE to go downstairs to see if I've got any saddle stitch ribbon kicking around! LOL!
Posted by: Stephanie J | August 20, 2009 at 09:18 PM
THAT IS ADORABLE..I MUST TRY THIS...
Posted by: regina easter | August 20, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Completely brilliant trick & such beautiful cards. Loved your description of how exciting it was to ruffle addictively too. Thanks so much for sharing your cleverness! :o)
Posted by: Mel M. M. M. | August 20, 2009 at 09:39 PM
What a great look & fabulous tip! Thanks!!!
Posted by: jen shears | August 20, 2009 at 09:42 PM
Beautiful card!!!! Love the tip!!! :) I'll have to play with that kind of ribbon! I think I have some. :)
Thanks so much,
Nadya
Posted by: Nadya | August 20, 2009 at 09:50 PM
Oh Genius!! Lisa, that is such a CUTE idea. Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us. Your "friends" card is just stunning. I can't to try it too:)
Posted by: Susan Tethal | August 20, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Very great way to alter saddle stitch ribbon...and the stitch is already there! WOOO HOO!
Posted by: Ashley Cannon Newell | August 20, 2009 at 10:20 PM
What a nifty idea. I have some of that ribbon and will definitely give that a try. Thanks for such a helpful blog.
Posted by: Jane T | August 20, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Oh my gosh this is such a cute idea!!!! I love saddle stitch ribbon enough already...this just makes it even better!!!! If only we could do this with the bitty dots or swiss dots satin as well....!! I am now getting ideas for those (although I would have to use sewing to accomplish them).
Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Lisa | August 20, 2009 at 11:37 PM
Thx for sharing the techniques - so simple and easy to do!
Posted by: Mary Johnson | August 21, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Beautiful cards Lisa - stunning! - and with such a great and simple idea to get a ruffled ribbon effect! Love the colour combo on the first one!!
Posted by: Taheerah | August 21, 2009 at 12:19 AM
This is so cool! Seriously, I have to try this!
Posted by: Nina | August 21, 2009 at 03:22 AM
That's just wonderful, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Alyssa B | August 21, 2009 at 03:26 AM
Great idea, and beautiful cards! I especially love the first one.
Posted by: Karen | August 21, 2009 at 04:26 AM
Can't wait to get out of work today so I can try this!! So cool!
Posted by: Kathryn Berthiaume | August 21, 2009 at 04:31 AM
Wow, that is awesome, what an easy alternative for us non-sewers. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to try it out!!!
Posted by: Maureen | August 21, 2009 at 04:42 AM
Fantastic tip. Thanks, I'll be trying it out for sure.
x
Posted by: Rosemary Guthrie | August 21, 2009 at 04:42 AM
What a great idea. Can't wait to give this a try! Thanks for the terrific idea!
Posted by: Patriciad | August 21, 2009 at 04:43 AM
Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful tip Lisa!! I love both your cards! Now, off to find some saddlestitch ribbon so that I can play too!:)
Posted by: Dawn (stampinscotsgirl) | August 21, 2009 at 04:43 AM
gorgeous! And so easy to get that sewn look, although it looks tricky. :)
Beautiful blog.
Posted by: deb | August 21, 2009 at 04:47 AM
What great tips! Such a fun look! I can see that my saddlestitch ribbon is now in danger!
Posted by: Bonnie Sharp | August 21, 2009 at 04:50 AM
Oh, thank goodness I don't have to use my sewing maching to get this beautiful look! Thank you so much for showing us how easy it really is!
Your 'blue' card is just stunning and the 'ghost' is darling. One both cards the ribbons are just the right touch! I can't wait to try this!
Hugs, Renee
Posted by: Renee V. (happystamper05) | August 21, 2009 at 04:50 AM
This is perfect for me...I get physically ill just THINKING about sewing. Thanks for discovering and sharing.
Posted by: Triasimite | August 21, 2009 at 04:51 AM
What a fab idea. Thanks for sharing, I am going to enjoy playing around with this, what fun!! :o)
Posted by: Ruby2Shoes | August 21, 2009 at 05:02 AM
I'll bet you could also gather that ribbon into beautiful flowers by joining the ends. Hmmmmmm.....MUCH easier than crocheting flowers, LOL
Posted by: Deb C | August 21, 2009 at 05:04 AM
Super great idea!
Posted by: laurie hunt | August 21, 2009 at 05:11 AM
Wow, how cute is that! HAVE to give it a try!
Posted by: Trena | August 21, 2009 at 05:14 AM
That is amazing!! Even "I" can do it! Thanks!!
Posted by: Maureen | August 21, 2009 at 05:17 AM
How smart are YOU!! Of course this is a wonderful idea - the cards are beautiful!! :)
Posted by: Julie Masse | August 21, 2009 at 05:23 AM
Awesome tutorial ! It looks so great! I don't have a sewing machine so this will be so fun to try. Thanks for taking the time to share this...
Posted by: pegg | August 21, 2009 at 05:28 AM
Wow! What a great idea!! I'm definitely going to try this out soon!
Posted by: Susan W. | August 21, 2009 at 05:30 AM
How clever! What a great way to think "outside the box"...I'm trying this for sure!
Posted by: Catherine (DancingPearDesigns) | August 21, 2009 at 05:33 AM
Thank you for the wonderful tip. Your cards are gorgeous.
Posted by: Loretta | August 21, 2009 at 05:35 AM
Clever, clever you!!! What a great idea! I don't mind sewing on fabric, but I don't want to "lint up" my good sewing machine with paper fuzz. Love your tip today...better than sewing on this ribbon! Thanks!
Posted by: Sallie | August 21, 2009 at 05:39 AM
Great job, Lisa! Your In bloom card was OVER THE TOP!!! I saw it last night and was dreaming the ruffles and saddle stitch ribbon. Thanks to you I have added just about every ss ribbon color I didn't already have into my PTI shopping cart. I know what I'll be doing the next several weeks!
Posted by: Stephanie L. | August 21, 2009 at 05:39 AM
Very cool way to quicken the process, to use the stitched ribbon. Great idea. I've only ever done something like this when I had to do the stitch first.
Posted by: Bethany Paull | August 21, 2009 at 05:41 AM
Wonderful trick for such a cool effect. Thanks for sharing the idea and your wonderful cards.
Posted by: Kathy W | August 21, 2009 at 05:49 AM
I have used this ribbon method in my sewing for years and years, but never thought to use it on a card, duh. How cute are those cards? I am definitely going to try this next time I am using the double stitched ribbon. The same effect can be achieved with lace, with just a few adjustments.
Have yourself a happy stamping day!
Trish in Wisconsin
Posted by: TriboHearts | August 21, 2009 at 05:51 AM
This is so awesome! Thank you for the wonderful tip!! I need to try this!!
~Lacey
Posted by: Lacey Stephens | August 21, 2009 at 05:54 AM
What an Excellent idea! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
Posted by: Carol R | August 21, 2009 at 05:57 AM
the blue and brown card is gorgeous! thanks for sharing the idea...very creative.
Posted by: shannon | August 21, 2009 at 06:00 AM
I do scrapbooking and will defnitely try this on a layout!!
Posted by: littlethingiesofme.blogspot.com | August 21, 2009 at 06:07 AM
Super idea! I did something similar when I had to make a corsage - just cut a strip of material and sew a basic (and uneven!) running stitch and scrunch away tying the two ends of the thread together - it worked a treat and I'm no sewing kinda gal!
Never thought to try it on the saddle stitch ribbon - good job I've got some in my fave colour - Pure Poppy!
Off to play now! Thanks for the inspiration!
Aimes
x
Posted by: Amy Wanford | August 21, 2009 at 06:08 AM
Absolutely brilliant - can't wait to give it a try. Thanks for the fabulous inspiration!
Posted by: Michele | August 21, 2009 at 06:22 AM
O M G! Those are so cute and what a great idea. Why didn't I think of that!
Posted by: Maggie | August 21, 2009 at 06:23 AM
What a fun addition to your cards, and who would have thought that it's that easy! Thanks for sharing your technique with us!
Posted by: Tami M. | August 21, 2009 at 06:25 AM
OH MY GOSH!! who'da thunk?!
Posted by: susan liles (susiestampalot) | August 21, 2009 at 06:52 AM
Very cool technique and so easy !!!!
Thanks Lisa
----------
Cette technique est cool est tellement simple,
Merci Lisa
Posted by: carole | August 21, 2009 at 07:04 AM
This is definitely a "Why didn't I think of that?!" moment!!! I LOVE THIS TECHNIQUE!!! Ruffling & pleating and folding ribbon are some of my fave things to do on a card! Thanks so much!!!
Posted by: Sarah Martina | August 21, 2009 at 07:05 AM
What a very clever technique! Will have to try that for sure! I love your cards, and the googly eyes made me giggle....
Posted by: TishSch | August 21, 2009 at 07:10 AM
Now I'm kicking myself for not buying any of the Saddle Stitch ribbon! I guess a new PTI order is in the near future--if it doesn't all sell out first. I have a feeling it's going to be a hot commodity after this.
Posted by: Mary K | August 21, 2009 at 07:12 AM
Very cool and fun. (I'm one of those "allergic" to sewing! Alas, I have about five pair of pants to shorten for my daughter for school -- *sob*)
Posted by: Laura | August 21, 2009 at 07:13 AM
Great idea Lisa. I love it. And your first card is to die for. I'm simply in love with it.
Posted by: Alanna | August 21, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Wow, the gathered ribbon is really great on the cards! I LOVE the flowers and flourish card! The wiggly eyes on the ghost are so much fun! Thanks for the ideas!
Posted by: Sue (suen) | August 21, 2009 at 07:27 AM
I absolutely love this technique! It's funny because I actually have a small sewing machine but I don't know how to use it very well, so I will definitely be trying it your way! Thanks!
Posted by: Emma | August 21, 2009 at 07:28 AM
Lisa, this was SO awesome!! I went immediately and tried it and it is SOOO easy! Thanks for the tip and the inspiration!
Posted by: Travelingmama | August 21, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Lisa this is really great. It adds a really nice touch the cards.
I agree the True Black looks fabulous on the bitty dots paper. At first I thought, hey where did she get that paper it is so cute!
Posted by: Tabitha A. | August 21, 2009 at 07:34 AM
LOVE this idea, Lisa! THANKS for sharing! The brown and blue card is so elegant, but I have to say the Halloween is my fav! Gotta love the googoolly eyes...especially when the paper looks as though it is looking right back! eek!
Posted by: Kari D | August 21, 2009 at 07:39 AM
What a great idea! I can't wait to try it.
Posted by: Randi | August 21, 2009 at 07:57 AM
WOW: Fantastic tip with the ribbon - I'll have to try that out one day :)
Thanks for sharing, the cards look beautiful.
Alex from England x
Posted by: Alex | August 21, 2009 at 08:15 AM
What a great idea!! Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Mary | August 21, 2009 at 08:17 AM
This is a great idea. I love ribbon. now i will have to get more stitched ribbon! :)
Posted by: Melissa | August 21, 2009 at 08:20 AM
Oh you clever woman! The look on your cards is terrific. Thanks for posting this!
Posted by: Susan from Colorado | August 21, 2009 at 08:21 AM
Great idea. I have 6 rolls of this type of ribbon and never use it because it reminds me of the 70's topstitching days....now I can't wait to start using them. Thank you! Did you try gathering into a rosette for a flower?
Posted by: Deborah Culley | August 21, 2009 at 08:22 AM
I posted the same idea below without seeing yours first. And I'm a Deb C also! Funny, no?
Posted by: Deborah Culley | August 21, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Super cute!! I'll have to give this a try.
Posted by: Jessica | August 21, 2009 at 08:29 AM
What an awesome idea!! I love this!!!
Posted by: Christi | August 21, 2009 at 08:32 AM
Awesome - simply awesome!!!!! I happen to be allergic to sewing and I can't wait to get into my craft room to give this a try.
Thank you 'sew' much!
Sonya
Posted by: Sonya | August 21, 2009 at 08:49 AM
Fab-U-lous!!! Your creations are so fun. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us.
Posted by: Jen | August 21, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Lisa! Light bulb moment here! Fantastic share!
Posted by: Dana Gustafson | August 21, 2009 at 09:12 AM
So cute!!!!!
Posted by: gina f | August 21, 2009 at 09:21 AM
This is amazing! I'm one of those allergic to sewing, bought one of those mini machines, and still had a difficult time with it, me and sewing machines don't mix.I will tackle this in the future though because I love the look of sewn cards, but for now this technique is perfect. Thank you so much for sharing.
Posted by: Karen Flores | August 21, 2009 at 09:27 AM
Yummmm, I look forward to exploring your ribbon wonders...thnx!!
Posted by: Carla H. | August 21, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Thank you Lisa. I'll give it a try!
Posted by: tanja | August 21, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Shut Up! OMGosh I love love love it.
Posted by: Charlene Austin | August 21, 2009 at 09:40 AM
TOO, TOO COOL!!! THanks for sharing with us! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | August 21, 2009 at 09:53 AM
that is wonderful! what a great idea...I've done similar things with having to actually sew on the ribbon, but this is 100 times better and easier! thanks for sharing that and your beautiful cards.
Posted by: Alice Golden | August 21, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Thanks so much for sharing this!!
Posted by: Marcee | August 21, 2009 at 10:07 AM
What a great idea!! Thanks.
Posted by: Elizabeth S. | August 21, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Awesome idea! Thank you for sharing your beautiful design and ribbon tip.
Posted by: Stephanie | August 21, 2009 at 11:15 AM
LEESE! What a brainstorm! You ROCK, girl!
Posted by: Debbie (aka debbiedesigns) | August 21, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Lisa, this is just pure genius! I am so excited I could pee! Off to scrunch some ribbon Ü
Thanks so much!
Posted by: Amy/rohla | August 21, 2009 at 11:34 AM
This is such an awesome technique & so easy. I have to try it out now! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Christina | August 21, 2009 at 11:36 AM
LOVE it! What a fabulous idea! off to play with ribbon! :)
Posted by: Kimberly Crawford | August 21, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Thanks for a great tutorial. I sew and would have never thought of that!
Posted by: Melody Rupple | August 21, 2009 at 11:54 AM
I love this technique! Thanks so much for sharing, because I am so bad at sewing and also I don't have a machine at this time! Love the first card!
Posted by: Hollie | August 21, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Lisa, thanks for the idea. Last yr. I bought fabric and elastic and made scrunchies for my daughter. This would have been much much easier. Great idea. TFS Alice R.
Posted by: Alice Roushia | August 21, 2009 at 01:13 PM
This is awesome. I love the look it adds to a card. Now I just have to get some saddle stitched ribbon to use it :)
Posted by: Melissa D. | August 21, 2009 at 01:31 PM
great idea! thanks for sharing this with us :-)
Posted by: Chrissy L | August 21, 2009 at 02:05 PM
wow! great tips! thanks and your cards are adorable. I love the blues with the brown on the first one-it's my FAVE!!!!
Posted by: Lisa Henke | August 21, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Brilliant! LOVE this, can't wait to give it a try! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: barb schram | August 21, 2009 at 03:07 PM
What fabulous idea! Never would have thought of it. I am NOT a sewer so this is definitely something I am going to try. Think I might go ahead and give it a whirl tonight! It is pouring down rain so what better to do than make a card!
Posted by: Laurel Beard | August 21, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Beautiful cards, Lisa! Thanks for the great idea!
Posted by: Jessica Canham | August 21, 2009 at 04:03 PM
Awesome idea! And I love the sponged blue flowers too.
Posted by: Cassi | August 21, 2009 at 05:20 PM
I can't wait to give this try. Thanks for sharing. I love you designs.
Posted by: Kelly | August 21, 2009 at 05:25 PM
What a neat idea! So simple yet it took me seeing it done for me to realize what can be done with stitched ribbon. I love it!
Posted by: Janet | August 21, 2009 at 06:54 PM
What a great idea! These cards are both wonderful!
Posted by: Danielle | August 21, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Wanted to let you know that I gave it a try and I love the way the ribbon turned out. Really looks like I sewed it on there (even though THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN) - Thank you so much for sharing this with us. If you want to take a peek at what I created, here is a direct link to that posting:
http://laurelbeard.wordpress.com/2009/08/21/you-gotta-have-the-right-shoes/
Posted by: Laurel Beard | August 21, 2009 at 07:55 PM
Gosh, I commented earlier but I guess it didn't go through! Anyhoo, great idea and I love your creations (esp. the first using this technique)! Tried it out today...what fun!
http://stampinwhenican.blogspot.com/2009/08/rainbow-fun.html
Posted by: Allison | August 21, 2009 at 08:19 PM
Wow! Gorgeous cards, but especially that first one. Love, love, love it!
Posted by: Janelle | August 21, 2009 at 09:10 PM